Expo strives to put local businesses in the public eye

Published 6:00 pm, Thursday, January 24, 2002

"We encourage everyone to come by and see what kind of businesses there are in the Pasadena area," said Harriet Hayes, co-chair of the event. "There are a lot of great businesses here that can give good service.

By COREY GRAY

The three main sponsors of the expo are Bayshore Eye Associates, Best Publication and The Pasadena Citizen. Some of the businesses represented will be DeLane's Ad Specialties, Systech Solutions, ABF Printing, Brinks Home Security, BEI Corporation, Pro Drug Screening, Air Specialists, Shell Credit Union, Metro Bank and Vesco Office Supply, just to name a few. Several nonprofit organizations will be on hand as well, including The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, BridgeHaven Hospice, Pasadena Pet Adoption, the Salvation Army, the YMCA, The Rose and Bay Area Urgent Care.

Over 50 businesses have confirmed their involvement in the expo so far, and the projected goal is for 90-95 businesses to represent themselves at the expo.

"We're trying to acquaint our businesses - showing what we do, and services we provide," said Wanda Rivers, co-chair of the event. "The purpose is different than anything else; you want to get out there, you want businesses to get to know you and of the services you provide. So hopefully, this will generate some interest from businesses in the community."

The cost for hosting a booth is $125 for a nonprofit organization, $175 for members of the Pasadena Chamber and $275 for nonmembers. Admission to the public is free of charge.

The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center will be holding a blood donation drive at the convention center that day. A food drive will also be held, with the proceeds going to the various nonprofit organizations. Canned foods will be accepted as donation.

The chamber will hold its monthly luncheon in conjunction with the expo. The price for the catered meal is $15. Interested parties must reserve their place at the luncheon prior to the day of the expo.

This year's theme for the expo is "Success through Service," as the Chamber is focusing their efforts on encouraging the community to serve.

"It's an important thing for the Pasadena community, because a lot of companies don't really have the opportunity to advertise their services, and this is a wonderful way for all of us in this area to do that," Rivers said. "A lot of us don't have big advertising budgets or a lot of avenues available to us, so this is a tremendous thing."

For more information concerning the expo, or to reserve a booth for a business, contact the Pasadena Chamber at (281) 487-7871.